Is this text or email from NSW Police a scam?
Government agencies are a favourite scam disguise, and NSW Police is one of the names scammers hide behind most — a message about a fine, refund or account problem makes people act fast. A text, email or call that looks like it's from NSW Police can be genuine — but it can just as easily be a scam built to look identical. The good news: a few quick checks almost always tell a real NSW Police message from a fake.
Genuine NSW Police links only ever go to police.nsw.gov.au. Below is exactly what a real NSW Police message looks like, the scams currently circulating in its name, the red flags that give a fake away, and a real example to compare against. Got a message in front of you? Check it now for an instant verdict.
What a real NSW Police message looks like
Genuine messages from NSW Police only ever link to police.nsw.gov.au.
- NSW Police never sends unsolicited SMS messages about fines or warrants
- All genuine police contact for fines routes through Revenue NSW, not direct SMS links
- Official police.nsw.gov.au domain is the only site used for public information
- the Police Assistance Line (131 444) is the published number for non-emergency police matters in NSW
- NSW Police Force does not request payment or personal details over the phone for fines
Crucially, NSW Police will never demand payment by gift card, cryptocurrency or an urgent bank transfer, or threaten you with immediate arrest or deportation.
Common NSW Police scams
- Scammers call pretending to be NSW Police and claim there is an outstanding warrant unless payment is made immediately
- Fake SMS messages claim a fine must be paid via a link, using an inert lookalike domain such as nsw-police-fines.net
- Impersonators threaten arrest or licence suspension if the recipient does not provide card details over the phone
Red flags to watch for
- Any SMS or call from NSW Police demanding immediate payment or personal details
- A message that directs you to click a link to pay a fine instead of using the official Revenue NSW portal
- Caller ID or sender that appears as NSW Police but asks for money or threats of arrest
- Urgency language stating you must act now to avoid being charged or having your licence suspended
- Requests to download an app or enter card details after receiving a supposed police fine notice
Scam text examples
Here's a real example of a scam message impersonating NSW Police, with the tell-tale red flags highlighted. Compare it against anything you've received.
NSW Police: Outstanding warrant for unpaid fine. Pay immediately at nsw-police-fines.net or attend station today to avoid arrest.
What gives it away:
- Any SMS or call from NSW Police demanding immediate payment or personal details
- A message that directs you to click a link to pay a fine instead of using the official Revenue NSW portal
- Caller ID or sender that appears as NSW Police but asks for money or threats of arrest
- Urgency language stating you must act now to avoid being charged or having your licence suspended
- Requests to download an app or enter card details after receiving a supposed police fine notice
Not sure about your message?
Paste the suspicious NSW Police text or email and get an instant scam verdict, free.
How to verify a message from NSW Police
- For non-emergencies, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444
- In an emergency, call 000
- Type police.nsw.gov.au yourself to check official information or fine status via Revenue NSW
Where to report a scam impersonating NSW Police
Received — or fell for — a message impersonating NSW Police? Report it. It helps authorities and carriers shut the campaign down for everyone who gets the next one.
- Scamwatch — Report the scam to the ACCC's national scam service.
- ReportCyber — Report cybercrime and financial loss to the police.
- ACMA — Report scam texts and spam SMS or calls.
- Forward to 7226 (SPAM) — Forward the scam SMS to short code 7226 so your carrier can block the source.
- IDCARE — Free identity and cyber support if your details were taken.
Frequently asked questions
I got a text claiming to be from NSW Police about a fine — is it a scam?
Yes. NSW Police does not send SMS links for fines; genuine fines are issued by Revenue NSW through official channels.
Can NSW Police call me about an outstanding warrant and demand payment?
No. NSW Police never demands payment over the phone for warrants or fines; report the call at scamwatch.gov.au.
How do I check if a fine message from NSW Police is real?
Log in directly at police.nsw.gov.au or through the Revenue NSW portal; never click links in unexpected messages.
What should I do if I received a fake NSW Police fine SMS?
Forward the SMS to 7226, delete it, and report details at scamwatch.gov.au or cyber.gov.au.
Related scam types
Scams impersonating NSW Police usually fit one of these patterns. Learn how each works:
Related brands
Other government names scammers impersonate — check a message from one:
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice — always verify with NSW Police through an official channel.